marketing: Is that really a bedroom? - 08/04/13 07:10 AM
 
It is so frustrating (and buyers are more frustrated) when real estate agents call a room with no egress a bedroom.   Bedrooms by definition have a way to escape from them in the event of an emergency.   So why do so many call it a bedroom when it clearly isn't?   They mistakenly think that it will attract more buyers.  
 
 
Agents with true marketing expertise know this is a fallacy!   Buyers buy homes that they are excited about NOT homes that disappoint them.  Marketing homes properly will not only give you the best chance of sale, but it will also bring the … (3 comments)

marketing: These MLS photos are JUST WRONG! I think my head is going to EXPLODE! - 10/10/11 10:19 AM
Janna definitely has a great point here.   Almost better off having no photos than bad photos.   None of these photos really do their job.   I've disabled comments - so if you have something to say about this please visit Janna!
I was minding my own business doing an MLS search of high end homes for a prospective luxury buyer client.  There are some nice homes on the market, and in the million dollar plus range there is high inventory and some great deals to be had in the Coeur d'Alene area real estate market. 
The luxury home niche happens … (0 comments)

marketing: How Many Marketing Dollars Should You Spend on a Listing? - 09/21/11 12:23 AM
We do a lot for our marketing plan.   An interactive floor plan with photos, video, virtual tours, enhanced listings on REALTOR.com, and a massive internet campaign.  In addition, we do mailings, print Newsletter advertising, broker's opens, agent advertising, etc.   There is a great deal of time and effort put into all our our lisitngs - but if it isn't priced right, it simply won't sell no matter how much money you spend.
Lower priced properties present a conundrum for real estate agents.  How much time and money do you invest in marketing a property that will bring you little profit?  Of … (5 comments)

marketing: RU REALLY AS ADVERTISED? - 02/05/10 11:17 AM
I have to subscribe to a new graphics program....so please excuse the fact that there are no graphics here.
However, I dont' excuse the agents who continue to advertise that they are top 1/2% nationwide; top 1% nationwide; top 3% nationwide; top 5% nationwide ----forever.
The code of ethics has some points about truth in advertising - but some of these agent I know personally and I know they didn't hit that target last year or the year before - how do I know this - well, I did better and I didn't hit that target either.
I am okay with … (4 comments)

marketing: Happy At Home in Rockville, Maryland, Woodley Gardens - 09/07/07 04:36 PM
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marketing: Rosemont Gaithersburg Maryland - Just Listed - 09/07/07 03:58 PM
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marketing: Look Ma...No Pictures! - 08/25/07 03:10 AM
Having no pictures is the same as driving without hands.  You are giving up a significant marketing advantage. 
Buyers want photos...photos...photos.  They are not going to spend any time looking at anything without them unless it is some highly sought after neighborhood or they are stalking someone.
While the print media is dying the visual distinction of the internet is what is engaging the buyers.  They don't go for an information driven web-site...they go for the visual pleasing graphic interface and oh...the prettiest photos.
If there is anyone out there who can give me a reason to market without photos...I'd really … (5 comments)

marketing: Time is running out!!!! Are you ready??? - 08/25/07 02:22 AM
 Oh man, it is  time to start thinking about goals for 2008 already! 
We use a business model that is based upon referral and it is a very successful system for us.  We farm certain geographic areas and we are certainly known as the neighborhood experts there.  We get good leads from our internet presence and are happy with our placement on the search engines (much to the chagrin of those trying to sell us placements and leads).  2007 is a phenomenal year for us - even in this changing real estate market. 
Our Goals for 2008 so far include:
Integrating our … (1 comments)

marketing: MARSHA! MARSHA! MARSHA! - 08/23/07 12:10 AM

Ah-ha!  The name is what gets people attracted to your blog entry.  You can be as smart and interesting as you want...but if you can't grab them with the title.  Nothing...Nada...Zilch.  Okay, maybe I'm a little competitive...and would probably rewrite the post is NOBODY commented....but is it always the title that attracts...just like curb appeal.
I want to be popular too!!!! 
So...what are the poular topics with examples:
Catchy Phrases or songs reworded - Will Video Kill The Virtual Tour? Tried and True - Dressing for Success. Is it More Important than Ever?Simply True - Real Estate 101: 75% of your marketing is complete … (5 comments)

marketing: Agent Photos - 08/14/07 12:41 PM
Do you still use your High School Photo? Or is that your son?
 
How long should you use your photo?  Three years; five years; ten years; your entire career?
 
 Hmmm...maybe this is better.  Have you met an agent that you don't recognize from their card or you think it's their parent or grandparent?
 
Do your clients still recognize you?  Do they recognize your photo on the card?
 
Is this more like it????  Yes, friendly and more current...but way too casual.
 
 Yes, that is better, I recognize you now!  Especially since your next to me...hey is it time for a new photo again?!?  Do I still look … (9 comments)